Photo courtesy of Ritchie & Peach Funeral Home
Oct 2, 1954 - Jan 8, 2026 (Age 71)
Always enjoyed talking with Barry. He was always willing to give anyone a helping hand. Praying for Barb and his family!
Lorie Jackson
January 14, 2026 | Taylorsville, KY | Coworker
Barbara and family,
I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your beloved husband. Death is never easy to accept, but we can look forward to the next meeting in heaven. Prayers for each of you for strength and comfort during your time of sorrow, and throughout the time after.
Carroll Wayne
January 10, 2026 | Lawrenceburg, KY | Friend
So sorry to hear friend and soldier may you rest in peace sorry ICannot be at funeral GoBless
Birchel Baker
January 10, 2026 | London, KY | Military
Barbara, I'm so sorry about Barry sudden passing I know you are a strong woman God will guide thru this.You have my deepest sympathy.cathy abney
Cathy Abney
January 10, 2026 | Longview, TX | Classmate
Larry & I are sending deep sympathies to Barbara & the Rucker family. Barry was a dear Facebook friend, who we admired for his strong defense to our military & country. We also know Barry as a good friend of my brother, Charlie Crain. We’re praying for everyone.
Donna C & Larry E Drury
January 10, 2026 | Lawrenceburg, KY | Friend
Sorry for your loss Tim, praying for you and family.
Jerry Turner
January 10, 2026 | Lawrenceburg, KY | Coworker
Barrybm was a good Christian man, loved his country, proud to serve his country. Devoted husband father and grandfather. I knew hus family and him for many years. He will greatly missed. Prayers for Bar ara and his family. RIP Barry
Donna Stratton
January 09, 2026 | Lawrenceburg, KY | Friend
Barb I am so very sorry I been praying to Our Lord to hold you in His arms the days ahead Maw and the late Paw Hager always thought so much of you and Barry continuing prayers for you Barb and family
Brenda Hager
January 09, 2026 | Frankfort, KY | Friend
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief. So sorry Barbara
Teresa Kamarata
January 09, 2026 | Glendale, AZ | Friend
Please join us in honoring the life of Barry Keith Rucker. You are welcome to attend his funeral service in person, or you can watch the LIVE Broadcast at 1:00 PM on Tuesday, January 13, 2026. Simply click the link below to view the service.
Funeral Service Broadcast for Barry Keith Rucker
A soldier has passed. Captain Barry Keith Rucker (U.S. Army Retired), 71, of Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, passed away unexpectedly on January 8, 2026, at the University of Kentucky Medical Center.
Barry was preceded in death by his parents, William E. Rucker and Sarah Lucille Rucker; his brother, Jerry Estill Rucker; and his granddaughter, Rebecca VanWinkle.
Barry is survived by his loving wife, Barbara Brown Rucker of Lawrenceburg; his children, William “Pat” (Ann) Rucker of Alton, Chrystal (Jamie) Rowland of Lawrenceburg, and Shelby (Andrew) Jackson of Lexington; his special “like-a-son,” James "Scorp" Lewis of Lawrenceburg; two grandsons, Evan (Eunji) Rowland, serving in the U.S. Marine Corps and stationed in Japan, and Jacob Rowland of Lawrenceburg; one granddaughter, Delaney Rowland (Jayden Orellana) of Iowa; two beloved great-grandsons, Braxton Rowland and Leo Orellana; his brothers, Curt (Sonya) Rucker of Waddy and Tim (Scarlet) Rucker of Lawrenceburg; his sister, Sandy (Garry) Gaines of Lawrenceburg; a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews; and his special dog, Nadine.
Barry was many things in his life: an unapologetic patriot, a devoted husband, a loving son and brother, a doting father, a proud grandfather, and even prouder great-grandfather. He was of the Baptist faith and a member of Mount Vernon Baptist Church in Waddy, KY.
His military career spanned 20 years and included service in the U.S. Army, the 101st Airborne Division, and the National Guard. He was deeply proud of his service to his country. Barry was also a member of Masonic Lodge #125 in Salvisa, KY.
He loved spending time on his small farm, riding bikes with the Christian Motorcycle Club, and enjoying time with his family.
Funeral services will be held at Ritchie & Peach Funeral Home, 701 North Main Street, Lawrenceburg, KY, on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at 1:00 PM, with Bro. Josh Rucker and Bro. Alex McGaughey officiating. Burial with military honors will follow at Mount Vernon Baptist Church Cemetery, 9780 Waddy Road, Lawrenceburg, KY. Visitation will be held on Monday, January 12, 2026, from 5:00 PM until 9:00 PM, and on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, from 11:00 AM until the time of the service at 1:00 PM at the funeral home.
Masonic rites will be observed during the visitation on Monday, January 12, 2026.
Serving as pallbearers will be Andrew Jackson, Curt Rucker, Tim Rucker, Eric Rucker, Vernon Wallace, and James Lewis. Honorary pallbearers will be Jeremy Rucker, Garry Gaines, Jason Thornberry, Allen Richards, Branton Tindall, and the late Buster Tindall.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are suggested to Mount Vernon Baptist Church Cemetery, Attn: Tim Rucker, 2288 Benson Creek Road, Lawrenceburg, KY 40342.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Ritchie & Peach Funeral Home, Lawrenceburg, Kentucky. Condolences may be shared at www.ritchieandpeach.com.
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